Tennessee Food Stamp Program Benefits

Program Description

The Tennessee Food Stamp program, financed 100 percent by Federal funds and administered by the Department of Human Services, provides nutritional assistance benefits to children and families, the elderly, the disabled, unemployed and working families. Its importance as a safety net cannot be overemphasized because it provides a mechanism for stretching food dollars for those families and individuals with insufficient income or resources to meet all of their needs. Since the nationwide implementation of the Food Stamp program in 1964, malnutrition has been virtually eliminated; however, hunger and food insecurity continues to exist at unacceptable levels in every state. As a result, a national campaign to end hunger has been initiated by USDA's Food and Nutrition Services. For Tennessee and other states in the southeast region, a goal has been set to eliminate hunger by 2005.

To receive food stamp benefits, you must first apply for benefits and participate in an interview with DHS staff. If eligible, you will receive a Benefit Security Card or EBT Card, which allows food stamp benefits to be issued and accessed electronically.

Applying for benefits is just the first step. You will need to work with your local DHS office to confirm your eligibility.

General Program Requirements

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Tennessee and fall into one of two groups: (1) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a person with a disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself).

In order to qualify, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:

Household Size*

Maximum Income Level (Per Year)

1

$15,301

2

$20,709

3

$26,117

4

$31,525

5

$36,933

6

$42,341

7

$47,749

8

$53,157

*For households with more than eight people, add $5,408 per additional person. Always check with the appropriate managing agency to ensure the most accurate guidelines.

Your Next Steps

The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this program.